Mushroom trimming machine



May 19, 1953 w. G. BLEVINS, sR., ErAL 2,638,949

MUSHROOM TRIMMING MACHINE Filed NOV- 50, 1951 l2 Sheets-Sheet 1 //7 1/90 fo/s W67//'?/' 6. Blevins Richard A. Coleman Jo/m M/V/s by A173 May 19, 1953 W, G BLEVINS SR., E TAL MUSHROOM TRIMMING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 30, 1951 Wa/zer 6 fi/evms Richard A. C o/eman lnvemors May 19, 1953 w. G. BLEvi'Ns; SR., 'ETAL 2,633,949

MUSHROOM TRIMMING MACHINE Filed NOV. 30, 1951 IZ-SheetS-Sheet 4 Affjz W. G. BLEVINS SRJ ETAL May 19, 1953 uusmoom TRIimmc "MACHINE I2 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 30, 1951.

/nI e/7f0r s Wa/fer G. Blevins Pic/20rd 4. C o/ema'n 9 4 w 8 3 w 2 u N I n H m R S} m SJ m m I v. m u w 8' w May 19, 1953 Filed Nov. 50. 1951 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 Wa/fer G. B/ew'ns Richard A. Coleman m venfors;

May 19, 1953 w; G; BLEVINS, S R., ETAL MUSHROOM TRIMMING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 lnven/ors: Wa/fer G. B/ew'ns Pic/70rd A. Coleman 4 John Mil/5 Affy.

May 19, 1953 w. G. BLEVINS, sR., ETAL 1638;

MUSHROOM TRIMMING MACHINE Filed Nov. 50, 1951 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 Waller G. B/ev/ns lnvenfors: P/thardACo/eman Jo/m M/Y/S by M A/fIy.

Patented May 19, 1953 MUSHROOM TRIMMING MAGHIN E Walter G. Blevins, Sr., and Richard A. Coleman, West Chester, and John Mills, Drexel Hill, Pa., assignors to Brandywine Mushroom Corporation, West Chester, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application November 30, 1951, Serial No. 259,212

6 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine for trimming or cutting oif selected end portions of plants, and in one of its more specific aspects to a machine for severing the caps and roots from the v stems of mushrooms.

A primary object of the invention is to minimize or substantially eliminate waste in trimming mushrooms or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved machine that is adapted to readily and expeditiously trim mushrooms or the like, without damaging the parts thereof.

Another object of the invention is to remove a predetermined amount of mushroom root ends regardless of the sizes of the mushrooms.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mushroom trimming machine so constructed and arranged that the moving parts thereof are guarded against clogging or undue wear due to the presence of dirt or other foreign particles in the course of operation, and the operator is protected against injury.

The invention has for a further object the provision of a machine of the character indicated that is capable of performing its intended functions in an eflicient and trouble free manner.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a mushroom trimming machine that is relatively simple, sturdy and compact in construction, and that is reasonable in manufacturing and maintenance costs.

To the end that the foregoing objects may be attained, a preferred form of mushroom trimming machineconstructed in accordance with this invention comprises a support that carries a vertical rotary shaft and a driving means, preferably including an electric motor and suitable gearing for imparting rotation to the shaft. Secured to and rotatable with the shaft is a wheel having a plurality of substantially circular discs that are coaxial with the shaft and that consist of a top disc, a bottom disc, and a third disc intermediate and spaced from the top and bottom discs. Each of these discs has a plurality of equiangularly spaced peripheral openings. The peripheral openings of each disc are preferably the same in configuration and are aligned with corresponding openings in the other discs, whereby a mushroom may be inserted in each set of aligned openings and arranged with its cap bearing against the upper surface of the top disc and its root part projecting beyond the lowersurface of the bottom disc.

The machine has resilient means for releasably engaging each mushroom carried by the discs,

whereby to maintain the same in its aligned disc openings during a portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. The resilient means may include a plurality of pivotally mounted, springbiased clamps that are positioned in the space between the intermediate and bottom discs and that are adapted to engage corresponding mushroom stems. Suitable camming means control the position of each spring-biasedclamp during each revolution of the wheel.

Alternatively, the resilient means may comprise a single endless spring, in the nature of a garter belt, which is positioned in part between the intermediate and bottom discs and engages each mushroom stem during a portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. The tension or loading supplied by the endless spring may be readily adjusted by a simple control device that will be described in detail further along herein.

The cap and a minor stem portion of each mushroom, placed on the discs, are severed from the remainder of the mushroom by a first cutting means which includes a knife blade that extends into the space between the top and intermediate discs during a first increment of the above mentioned portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. K

The machine also comprises a positioning or elevating means that is responsive to rotationof the shaft for moving the remainder of each mushroom upwardly-with respect to the discs, whereby the root part thereof projects a selected distance below the lower surface of the bottom disc during a second increment of the mentioned portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. The elevating means may include a plurality of vertically --rec'iprocable plungers, radially and angularly spaced with respect to the axis of the shaft and rotatable in unison therewith, and camming means cooperating with theplungers to effect reciprocation thereof upon rotation of the shaft. There is provided one such reciprocable plunger for and directly beneath each set of aligned openings in the discs.

In lieu of the above described elevating means, we find that a single rotary cam device, rotatable in response to rotation of the shaft, maysbe used advantageously with our machine. The details of construction of the rotary cam device and its relationship to other parts will be understood from the detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The root part of each mushroom is severed from the remainder thereof during a third increment of the earlier mentioned portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. This is accomplished by a second cutting means that includes a knife blade which is positioned directly below the bottom disc and which has its cutting edge located in the path of travel of the mushrooms during the operation of the machine. Severed roots are collected in a trough or the like. Another means effects release of the resilient means during a succeeding portion of each complete revolution of the wheel. This permits the mushroom stems to be disengaged from the wheel and drop into a trough or other type of receptacle, as desired.

Either or both of the knife blades for severing the caps and root parts may be stationary or may be rotatable in response to rotation of the shaft. In instances where rotary knife blades are preferred, it is recommended that the same be actuated by the driving means of the machine, whereby they will operate in timed relation to rotation of the wheel.

The enumerated objects, as well as other objects, together with the advantages obtainable by the use of apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention, will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art upon reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that respectively describe and illustrate several preferred forms of machines embodying the invention.

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a side elevation view of one form of machine embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view taken along line 44 of Figure 1, parts being omitted;

Figure 5 is a view taken along staggered line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a view taken along staggered line '65 of Figure 5;

Figure '1 is an enlarged, fragmentary view taken along line 1-1 of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view in enlargement taken along line 8-8 of Figure 4, and additionally shows a complete mushroom in position for trimming;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view in enlargement taken along line 9--9 of Figure 4, and additionally shows a partially trimmed mushroom in position;

Figure 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary view taken along line l0--l0 of Figure 4;

Figure 11 illustrates severed parts of mushrooms in elevation;

Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 3 and is illustrative of a modified form of construction;

Figure 13 corresponds to Figure 4 and shows other parts of the modified machine of Figure 12;

Figure 14 corresponds to a part of Figure 8 and ilhstrates a portion of one of the cutting means eiiiployed with the machine of Figure 12;

Figure 18 is a view taken along line l8-I8 of Figure 16; 1

Figure 19 is a view taken along line l9l9 of Figure 16, parts being omitted for better illustration of other parts;

Figure 20 is a view in enlargement taken along line 20-20 of Figure 18, and additionally shows a mushroom in position on the wheel;

Figure 21 is an enlarged view taken along line 2I-2l of Figure 18, and additionally shows a mushroom stem and root in position on the wheel; and

Figure 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary view taken along staggered line 2222 of Figure 18.

Reference is now had to Figures 1 to 11 for an understanding of the construction and operation of the machine illustrated therein. This machine comprises a support, generally indicated by numeral 25, and including a base plate 26, parallel upstanding tubular legs 21 and 28, and a gear box 30 mounted on the legs and having a removable cover 31. An electric motor 32, constituting the drive for the machine, is disposed on the gear box and has a rotary driving shaft 33 which projects beyond one end of the motor casing and carries a driving V-pulley 34.

Adjacent to motor 32 is a speed-reducing gear unit 35 that includes a rotary shaft 36 which has a V-pulley 31 at its free end. The pulleys 34 and 31 are connected by an open v-belt 38. Gear unit 35 is directly connected to a vertical shaft 40 which extends through and beneath gear box 30. Shaft 40 has a pinion 4| located within the gear box and meshing with the peripheral teeth on a gear wheel 42. Integral with gear wheel 42 is a driving sprocket wheel 43 that is connected to a driven sprocket wheel 44 through the medium of an endless chain belt 45. Secured to and rotatable with sprocket wheel 44 is a. vertically disposed hollow shaft 45 that is coaxial with an inner stationary shaft 41-. As is best shown in Figure 6, stationary shaft 41 has a bottom flange 48 that bears against the support base plate and is attached thereto by screws or the like 49.

Hollow shaft 46 is provided with an intermediate fiange 50 (Figure 8)' and a lower flange 5! (Figure 6). Coaxialwith the hollow shaft is a plate 52 that is secured to flange 50 by a series of screws 53 (Figure 8).

Plate 52 and a disc set 55, carried thereby, con- 'stitute elements of a mushroom-carrier wheel.

The disc set consists of a top disc or ring 56 an intermediate disc or ring 51 and a bottom disc or ring 58. The discs are attached to plate 52 by a plurality of screws 60 (Figures 8 and 9) and are separated by washers 6|, whereby to define spaces 62 and 63. The discs are preferably circular and identical. Each disc has a like number of generally V-shaped slots or openings 64 that merge with its outer periphery. In the embodiment of the invention under consideration, twelve such 'slots are provided and, as will be observed from an examination of Figure 4, the slots are spaced apart equi-angularly about each disc. The slots in each disc are in verticalalignment with corresponding slots in the other discs (Figure 10).

A mushroom M is adapted to be inserted in each slot and positioned so that its cap C bears against the upper surface of the top disc 56, its stem S extends downwardly through a set of the aligned disc slots, and its root part R projects downwardly beyond the lower surface of the bottom disc 58. Each mushroom is adapted to be retained in its aligned V-shaped slots during a portion of each complete revolution of the wheel,

that is, of plate 52 and disc set 55, by a corresponding resilient means that will be described next. Each resilient means comprises a vertical post 65 rotatable in plate 52. and carrying a mushroom 'clamp 66 at its lower end. This clamp, asshown in Figures 8 and 9, is disposed in space 63 between intermediate disc 51 and bottom disc 58. A member 61, afiixed to the upper end of post 65, includes a first arm 68 that terminates in a finger 69, a depending camming lug I8, and a second arm 'II. A pin 12 extends upwardly from the free end of arm 'II and is connected by a tension spring 13 to a second pin I4 that is carried by plate 52. With this arrangement, each spring I3 normally and yieldingly urges a corresponding member 61 in a clockwise direction about the axis of post 65, as viewed in Figure 7, to thereby pivot the corresponding mushroom clamp 66 in a clockwise direction relative to a corresponding set of aligned slots 64.

A stationary cam ring I5 (Figures 1, 4, 7, and 8) is supported by a plurality of posts 16 that depend from gear box 30. Cam ring I5 presents a first peripheral camming surface 11, having a radius 11, and a second peripheral camming surface 18, having a radius m, and merging with camming surface I1 (Figure '7). These merging camming surfaces engage camming lugs 18 and control the angular position of corresponding mushroom clamps 66 during each complete revolution of the mushroom-carrier wheel, as will be apparent from an examination of Figures 7 and 8.

An arm 88 is mounted on cam ring I5 by a pair of screws 8| and has a pin 82 that is positioned in the path of travel of fingers 69. Thus, fingers 69 will be successively engaged and cammed by pin 82 to thereby swing corresponding members 61 and clamps 66 in a counter-clockwise direction about post 65, as viewed in Figure 7, during each complete revolution of shaft 46.

The cap and a minor portion of the stem of each mushroom placed in the machine is adapted to be severed from the remainder of the mushroom by a first stationary cutting means 83 (Figures 4 and 8). This cutting means comprises a clamping bracket 84 having a split clamping sleeve 85 for adjustable attachment to leg 21, and a knife blade 86 that is maintained in the bracket with the aid of screws 81. 'Blade 86 projects into the space 62 between discs 56 and 51, as shown in Figure 8.

The machine includes a second stationary cutting means 88, mounted on support leg 28, and having a number of parts that are preferably the same as corresponding parts of cutting means 83. The knife blade of the second cutting means is designated by numeral 98 and is located in part directly below bottom disc 58 (Figure 9). Blade 98 is adapted to sever the mushroom root part R from stem S.

Referring again to shaft 48, the same extends downwardly through gear box 38 and a bearing 9| depending therefrom (Figure 1), and carries at its lower end a bent finger 92. This finger is positioned directly above top disc 56 and is adapted to sweep the severed mushroom caps off disc 56 and into a trough or other receiving device 93 (Figure 4). The gearing in gear box 38 is such that shaft 48 and finger 92 make twelve completerevolutions for each revolution of shaft 46 and disc set'55. Inasmuch as there are twelve slots 64 in "disc :56, finger 92 makes one complete revolution for each slot passing thereunder.

After each mushroom cap is severed by knife blade -86, but prior to severance of the root part of the mushroom by knife blade 98, the combined mushroom stem and root is raised or elevated with respect to disc set so that only a pre-selected amount thereof will project below the lower surface of bottom disc 58 so that knife blade 98 will sever only a predetermined length of each lower extremity of mushrooms, that is, the root part. This is accomplished by an arrangement of devices that will now be described having reference particularly to Figures 1, 5, and 6. These devices include a plate 95, secured to flange 5I and rotatable with hollow shaft 46, and a hood 96 carried by plate 95 and consisting of a frusto conical top portion 91 and a cylindrical apron 98. Plate 95 is provided with a plurality of vertically disposed cylinders I88 open at each end and projecting upwardly through corresponding openings I8I in the hood top. Cylinders I88 are equi-angularly spaced about the axis of shaft 46 and correspond in number to that of the aligned sets of slots 64 in the disc set. Further, each cylinder is in vertical alignment with a corresponding set of aligned slots. Each cylinder I88 has a vertical through slot I82 and contains a reciprocable plunger I83 that has a guide block I84 in registry with slot I82. Each guide block carries a roller I85 rotatable about a horizontal axis. An inverted cup-shaped cap I86 is mounted on the upper end of each plunger I83 and may be raised or lowered with respect to its plunger by the addition or removal of shims l86 as required. The arrangement of openings IN and caps I86 minimizes entry of dirt or other foreign particles into the interior of the hood and effectively prevents such dirt or other foreign particles from entering cylinders I88 and damaging the same and associated parts in the course .of operation.

A stationary cam means I81 cooperates with rollers I85 to control the relative position of plungers I83 in their cylinders. This cam means comprises an arcuate lower cam member I88 secured to support base 26 by brackets I89 and screws or the like H8 (Figure 5). Cam member I88 has an upper camming edge III. The stationary cam means also comprises an upper arcuate cam secured to base 26 by brackets H3 and screws H4. Cam II2 has a lower camming edge II5.

There is provided a trough or the like II6 for receiving the trimmed mushroom stems S upon release thereof from the disc set 55.

In Figure 4, the aligned disc slots 64 are designated by lower case letters a through I. The operator is stationed generally to the right of the machine, as viewed in Figures 1 and 4, and manually inserts mushrooms into disc slots a, b, and c, which, as shown, are located in the region denoted by are I, which may be termed the mushroom insertion station. The region designated by II may be termed the mushroom capsevering station. The region identified by III indicates the machine location at which the roots are severed from the stems and accordingly may be termed the root-severing station. The severed mushroom caps are removed by finger 92 at station 1V, severed root parts drop from the machine at station V and the trimmed mushroom stems fall into trough I I6 at station VI.

For the purpose of outlining the operation of the above described embodiment of the invention, it is assumed that motor 32 is in service and cooperates with speed-reducing gear unit 35, and the devices within gear box 38 to impart counterclockwise rotation to hollow shaft 46, as viewed in Figures 4 and 7, and, therefore, to disc set 55, plate 95 and parts carried thereby. The operator inserts complete mushrooms M in the disc slots as they pass mushroom insertion Station I (Figure 4). The mushrooms are placed in the slots so that their caps C bear against the upper surface of top disc 56 (Figure 8), their stems S register with the aligned disc slots and their roots R project downwardly below the lower surface of bottom disc 58.

Cam disc coacts with the mushroom-clamping means of slots 0., b, and c to maintain the same out of registry therewith at the time the mushrooms are inserted in those slots. The caps of mushrooms earlier inserted in the aligned disc slots are severed from the remainders of the corresponding mushrooms by knife blade 86 at station II, these remainders being engaged by corresponding clamps 66 at that time. At station IV, finger 92 sweeps the severed mushroom caps C off the disc set, causing them to drop into trough 93. Only the remainder of each mushroom is carried by the disc set when the aligned slots thereof are positioned as indicated at f, g, h, and i. The remainder of each mushroom is raised or elevated by a corresponding plunger I03 at a point intermediate station IV and station III against the light holding action of a corresponding mushroom clamp.

All plunger caps are adjusted so that their upper limit of travel is a preselected distance below the under surface of bottom disc 58. This determines the amount that will be severed by knife blade 90 and should be such that only the root part R of each mushroom is cut from the stem. The adjustment of plunger caps may be varied depending on the length of the root part to be severed. The clamping means retain the elevated remainder of the mushrooms in their slots until they pass beyond station III where the root part R is severed from the stem S and falls into a convenient receptacle below station V. As the mushrooms pass from station III to VI, the mushroom clamps 66 are released from the stems by the interaction of cam ring 15 and members 61 against the action of springs 68, permitting the trimmed stems S to descend by gravity into trough IIE.

The modification shown in Figures 12 to 15, inclusive, contemplates utilizing a first rotary cutting means I and a second rotary cutting means I2I in lieu of stationary cutting means 83 and 88, respectively, of the above described embodiment of the invention. The first rotary cutting means I20 comprises a vertical rotary shaft I22, supported by and extending below gear housing 30. Shaft I22 has a sprocket wheel I23 at its upper end and a disc knife I24 at its lower end. The disc knife projects into the space between the top disc 56 and intermediate disc 51, as in the case of knife blade 86, and is adapted to sever the cap and a minor portion of the stem from the remainder of each mushroom.

The second rotary cutting means I2I includes a number of parts that are the same as corresponding parts in cutting means I20. The sprocket wheel of the second cutting means is denoted bynumeral I25 while its disc knife is identified by numeral I26. As in the case of knife blade 90, disc knife I26 is located directly below bottom disc 58 to sever the root part from the stem of each mushroom.

A sprocket wheel I21, positioned within the gear box 30, is coaxial with shaft 46 and is rotatable therewith. An endless chain belt I28 engages sprocket wheels I23, I 25 and I21, whereby to impart rotation to shafts I22 and to disc knives I24 and I26 in response to rotation of shaft 46.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 16 to 22, inclusive, the same includes a support I30 that comprises a base I3I, a pair of parallel legs I32 and I33, and a mounting plate I34 carried by the legs. An electric motor I35 is positioned on mounting plate I34 and has a rotary driving shaft I36 that carries a v-pulley I31 at its free end. Adjacent electric motor I35 is a speed-reducing gear unit I40 having a rotary shaft MI and a V-pulley I42 afiixed t0 the shaft. An open V-belt I43 connects pulleys I31 and I42. Unit I40 coacts with suitable gearing (not shown) in a gear box I44 having a removable cover I45 to impart rotation to a vertical shaft I46 that extends downwardly through mountin plate I34 and a bearing I41 that depends from the mounting plate.

A plate I48 is coaxial with shaft I46 and is attached thereto by a pin or the like I49 (Figure 20) This plate and a disc et I50 carried thereby (Figures 16, 18, and 20) constitute elements of a mushroom-carrier wheel. The disc set consists of a top disc or ring I5I, an intermediate disc or ring I52, and a bottom disc or ring I53 that are secured to plate I48 by screws I54. Discs I5I and I52 are separated by washers I55 to define a space I56, while discs I52 and I53 are separated by a ring I51 to define a space I58. Each disc I5I, I52, and I53 has a plurality of equi-angularly spaced peripheral V-slots I60. The discs are so arranged that the slots in each are in vertical alignment with corresponding slots in the others. In the illustrated embodiment, there is provided a total of fifteen sets of aligned V-slots I60.

A stationary first cutting means IGI (Figures 16, 18, and 20) is adapted to sever the cap and a minor portion of the stem from the remainder of mushrooms in the course of operation of the machine. This means comprises a bracket I62 having an integral split clamping sleeve I63 for attachment to support leg I32, and a knife blade I84 that is clamped to the bracket with the aid of screws I65. The knife blade, as best shown in Figure 18, is relatively long and narrow and projects into space I56 (Figure 20).

A second stationary cutting means I66 is adapted to sever the mushroom root part from the stem during operation of the machine. This cutting means may be similar to cutting means [GI and includes a knife I61 that is disposed directly below bottom disc I53 (Figure 21).

Mushrooms that are to be trimmed by the machine are inserted in aligned sets of slots I in the same manner as in the earlier described embodiment. The mushrooms, when so arranged, are adapted to be maintained in position during a predetermined portion of each complete revolution of the ring set by a resilient means that will now be described having reference particularly to Figure 18. This means comprises a single helical endless spring I10 that is in the nature of a garter belt. A portion of spring I10 is disposed in space I58 and engages the stems of the mushrooms, as shown in Figures 20 and 21. A major portion of the remainder of spring I10 is disposed above disc set I50 and is guided by D11 leys I1I, I12, I13, I14, and I15, in the order named and as illustrated in Figure 18. Pulley IN is rotatable about the axis of a. horizontal shaft I16 that is secured to a bracket I11 which is, in turn, attached to a split clamping sleeve I18 that is carried by support leg I32. Pulleys I12 and I14 are rotatable about the axes of parallel shafts I80 and I8I, respectively, depending from mounting plate I34. Pulley I15 is rotatable about the axis of a shaft I82 that is carried by a block I83 which is pivotally secured to the under side of mounting plate I34.

Pulley I13 is an element of a device I85 (Figure 18) for controlling the tension in endless spring I10. This device includes a bell crank lever I88 pivotal about a post I81 depending from mounting plate I34. Pulley I13 is rotatable about the axis of a pin I88 at one end of bell lever I88. A spring I90, stressed in tension, is connected to the other end of the bell crank lever and to a post I9I that depends from mounting plate I34 (Figure 16). Spring I90 normally and yieldingly urges lever I88 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of post I 81, as viewed in Figure 18.

Referring next to Figures 16, 19, 20, and 21, we have illustrated therein a camming means I92 for elevating the stems of mushrooms with respect to disc set I50 subsequent to severing the mushroom caps, but prior to severing the mushroom rootparts. The camming means is mount ed for rotation in a bearing I93 that is inclined at an angle of approximately 60 to the horizontal and is attached to support base I3I by screws or the like I94. A shaft I95 is rotatable in bearing I 93 and is connected to shaft I48 by a double universal joint unit I98. A wheel I91 for camming or elevating the mushroom parts is rotatable with shaft I95. This wheel comprises a hub I98,'spokes I99 and a rim 200. One or more ring shims 20I are interposed between the top of bearing I93 and the bottom of hub I98. The number of shims employed determines the axial position of wheel I91 with respect to bearing I93 and, therefore, the relative position of wheel rim 200 with respect to bottom disc I53.

Wheel rim 200 has an upper surface 202 that is a continuous portion of the surface of revolution of ,a right circular cone. It will be apparent from an examination of the drawings, particularly Figure 16, that shafts I48 and I95, disc set I50 and wheel rim 200 rotate in unison. Further, the parts are so constructed and arranged that the uppermost portion of wheel rim 200, as viewed in Figure 16, is beneath bottom disc I53, and is in the region between knife blades I84 and I81 and to the left of cutting means I8I, as viewed in Figure 18.

The machine is provided with a plurality of stationary devices for effecting successive removal of severed portions of mushrooms during operation. These devices include a first device 204 for deflecting severed mushroom caps off top disc II. Device 204 is suspended from mounting plate I34 and terminates slightly above top disc I5I. This device is set at an angle whereby severed caps C on coming in contact therewith will be deflected along and off disc I 5|, as indicated at station IV in Figure 18, for collection in a trough or the like.

A device 205 deflects severed mushroom root parts R off the disc set, as indicated at station V in Figure 18. Device 205 comprises a finger 208 that is positioned below bottom disc I53, and has an arcuate deflecting edge surface 201. A hub 208. i tegral with finger 208, is attached to a post 209 by a set screw 2 I0 which permits of axial and angular adjustment of the finger with respect to the post. The inner end of finger 208 is adapted to support end of knife blade I81 by a screw 2 (Fig. 21),

A deflecting device 2 I2 for removal of trimmed mushroom stems'from the disc set after they pass out from contact with the garter belt I19, is secured to block I83 by screws 2I3. As shown most clearly in Fig. 22 this device comprises an upper deflecting member 2 directly above the upper surface of disc I5I and a lower deflecting member 2 I 5 which projects into space I 58. Both these members will simultaneously engage both ends of the mushroom stems for removal from the slots I without damage to the stems, as indicated at station VI in Figure 18.

Also mounted on the block I83 is a scraper blade 2I6 fastened by screws 2" for final removal of dirt and mushroom particles at the end of the operating cycle. This blade isset at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the disc set I50 and with its lower edge in light engagement with the top plate I5I.

While the form of'machine shown in Figures 16 to 22 contemplates the use of stationary cutting means I8I and I88 for respectively severing mushroom caps C and root parts R from the stem S, it is to be. borne in mind that either, or both, of such cutting means may be replaced by rotary cutting means of the general type shown in Figures 12 to 15.

The operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 16 to 22 is in many respects the same as that of the first described embodiment and will now be briefly described having reference particularly to Figures 16 and 18. It is first assumed that motor I35 is placed in active service, thereby coacting with gear unit I40 and gears within gear box M4 to impart counterclockwise rotation (Figures 17 and 18) to shafts I48 and I95, disc set I50 and camming wheel I91.

Whole mushrooms are inserted in aligned disc slots I80, as they pass mushroom-insertion station I, and are positioned therein in the same manner outlined above in the discussion of the first described embodiment of the invention. The caps of mushrooms earlier inserted in the aligned disc slots are severed from the remainders of corresponding mushrooms by knife blade I84 at station II, such remainders being engaged by endless spring I10 at that time. At station IV, device 204 deflects the severed mushroom caps C oif the disc set, causing them to drop into a trough or other receptacle (not shown). Only the remainder of each mushroom is carried by the disc set when the aligned slots thereof are in the region intermediate stations IV and III in the left portion of Figure 18. The lower extremity of each mushroom remainder is engaged by upper surface 202 of wheel rim 200, and the mushroom remainder is raised by the camming action of this wheel at a point intermediate stations IV and III against the light holding action of endless spring I10. The adjustment of camming wheel I91 determines the amount of mushroom remainder that will be severed by knife blade I81 and should be such that only the root part R of each mushroom is cut from the stem by knife I 81. The severed root parts are deflected by device 205, as indicated at station V, and fall into a receptacle (not shown) conveniently locatedtherebelow. As the mushrooms pass from station III to station VI, endless spring I10 is disengaged therefrom and finger 2I5 of device 2I2 effects removal of the trimmed stems S from the disc set, permitting the stems to descend by gravity into a trough or other form of receptacle (not shown).

From the foregoing, it is believed that the construction, operation and advantages of our pres- -ent invention will be readily comprehended by persons skilled in the art. It is to be clearly understood, however, that various changes in the machines set forth above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it being intended that all matter contained in the description or shown in the drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. In a machine for trimming mushrooms, each consisting of a cap, a stem and a root part, a support, a substantially vertical rotary shaft carried by the support, a wheel secured to and rotatable with the shaft, said wheel comprising a plurality of substantially circular discs coaxial with the shaft and including a top disc, a bottom disc and a disc intermediate and spaced from the top and bottom discs, each disc having a plurality of angularly spaced peripheral openings that are aligned with corresponding openings in the other discs for receiving a like plurality of mushrooms arranged with their caps bearing against the upper surface of the top disc and their roots projecting beyond the lower surface of the bottom disc, resilient means for releasably engaging each mushroom stem whereby to maintain the same in corresponding disc openings during a portion of each complete revolution of the wheel, first cutting means carried by the support and including a knife blade that extends into the space between the top and intermediate discs for severing the cap and a minor portion of the stem from the remainder of each mushroom during a first increment of. said portion of each complete revolution of the wheel, elevating means responsive to rotation of the shaft for moving said remaidner of each mushroom upwardly with respect to the discs whereby the root part thereof projects a selected distance below the lower surface of the bottom disc during a second increment of said portion of each complete revolution of the wheel, and second cutting means carried by the support and including a knife spaced from the lower surface of the bottom disc for severing the root part of each mushroom from said remainder during a means is rotatable in response to rotation of the shaft.

3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the part of the resilient means that engages each mushroom stem is positioned between the intermediate and bottom discs.

4. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the part of the resilient means that engages each mushroom stem is positioned between the intermediate and bottom discs, and the elevating means comprises a member rotatable in response to rotation of the shaft and cam means cooperatively associated with the member.

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the resilient means includes a plurality of springbiased clamps positioned at least in part in the space between the intermediate and bottom discs, and the positioning means comprises a plurality of reciprocable plungers, radially and angularly spaced with respect to the axis of the shaft and rotatable in unison therewith, and means including a cam cooperating with the plungers to effect reciprocation thereof upon rotation of the shaft.

6. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the resilient means comprises an endless spring positioned at least in part between the intermediate and bottom discs, and the elevating means comprises a rotary cam device rotatable in response to rotation of the shaft.

WALTER G. BLEVINS, SR. RICHARD A. COLEMAN. JOHN MILLS.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

